His favorite thing in the world seems to be Lexie. Lexie is not thrilled to be so well thought of.
What is most comical to me is that Brady really doesn't seem to like Lloyd very much -- this might be relate to Lloyd snacking a snack or two when Brady's not paying attention, but Brady absolutely adores Lexie, and gets very excited any time he see any other cat as well.
Tracey and Howard had a pretend wedding earlier this week. I'm pretty sure it was inspired by a new dress-up dress that we added to our collection.
It was fun to watch Tracey do Caroline's make-up for her own wedding, and watch Tracey walk down the isle with her sisters.
Also, Howard asked Daddy to be his best man, and Hunter cracked under pressure being the ring bearer, but Brady turned out to be an excellent little back-up. He sat in his seat until Tracey asked him to pass Howard the ring, and Brady did exactly that.
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Our kids can live without their ipads, but sometimes they forget that they can. Usually one child (*ahem* Tracey) starts the day by asking what she needs to do to get some ipad time.
Then, depending on the day, I will either tell her its not an option that day, or I will give her a list of tasks to accomplish before she can watch her ipad. She will work very diligently on the list until she gets to watch the ipad (usually around early afternoon when the little boys are napping) and then she puts it away when her time is up.
Meanwhile, the young kiddos, Howard, Caroline, and Lee Lee see Tracey working on the list and then all three of them want to do a list to watch their ipads as well. These three usually would not have thought about the ipad except for the fact that Tracey's activities are motivated by watching the ipad.
Its not a bad system -- the list the kids have to complete includes physical activity, time outside, chores, homework, and doing something kind. But, it tends to direct the day -- all the kids activities are motivated by the list, and then they get to watch the tablet for an hour or so, and then afterward, it's hard for them to focus on other play.
So, when I told the kids we were having an "ipad-free spring break", they weren't thrilled, but they had enough time to plan for it, and we have had a great first few days of the break, and they are playing games and coming up with activities that they just never would by following an "ipad list."
Now, today, I have to work all day -- and the kids know the rules about the ipad-free spring break, and Daddy knows the rules as well. If anything, I'm pretty sure the kids are excited to up-hold the rules because Daddy tends to allow the ipad more than Mama does.
Stay tuned for pictures of our ipad-free spring break fun.
Here's a preview:
My sister would turn 60 years old today, which sounds very old to me... but then again, I turned 39 this year and we are 21 years apart. Time sure marches on.
I googled "Things to do on your sister's 60th birthday". Several ideas included tandem sky-diving, getting tattoos, a weekend getaway, a cruise, and a garden party or BBQ. All interesting ideas.
Here is a picture from her 30th birthday when her husband surprised her with a trip home to West Michigan where my parents hosted a big family birthday party.
I hope you're having a happy sixtieth birthday, Trace.
I miss you.
